The Cyprus government recognises both the benefits of longevity and the challenges that arise in caring for the elderly, deputy welfare minister Marilena Evangelou said on Sunday.
Speaking at the Walking with the Elderly march of love in Foini on behalf od President Nikos Christodoulides, she said thanks to medical progress and advances in public health older people can now stay healthy and active longer, playing an active role in society.
“Life expectancy has increased and as societies we have to adapt to this change,” Evangelou said. That is why, she added, the inclusion of the ageing is included in all state policies.
As a result the deputy minister is currently co-ordinating the first National Strategy and National Action Plan on active ageing, after its approval by the council of ministers.
She also announced that her ministry has submitted a plan for Accommodation and Care in Homes for the Elderly to the council of ministers.
The plan aims to increase the number of places in elderly care homes as well as increasing the number of elderly beneficiaries of long-term care.
Upgrading the services offered in care home will also be part of the plan, she said.
“The Christodoulides government focuses on issues related to the elderly and the deputy welfare ministry continuously develops policies and actions with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the elderly in a safe and healthy environment,” she added.
“It is undoubtedly very important that people of the Third Age become and remain active and productive in society.
“The elderly are an indispensable, sensitive and respected group of our fellow citizens. They lived and created in difficult times, envisioning a better future for the new generations and for this we owe them a lot,” Evangelou said.
